Parents & Teachers

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For Parents 

Get a Library Card!  

  • Children who are able to write their first and last names may get a library card of their own. Kids ages 12 and under must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the application. Kids 13-years-old or over may apply for their own card, but must either show identification or have a parent or guardian’s signature on the application.  Click to download a library card application(PDF, 337KB) .
  • Library materials that are on hold for a patron may only be checked out by the cardholder who placed the hold. So, if you’re picking up your child’s book, be sure to bring their card with you.You must have a card with you when checking out material.
  • Library staff cannot tell you what your child has checked out on their card. We will be happy to show you and your child how to review your own records online.
  • The Alameda Free Library offers a broad selection of books, magazines, video, and audio materials. With their new card, your child may use any materials from any section of the library. The library cannot limit the types of materials your child checks out, even if you ask us to. It’s the same with computers. The library has minimal filtering on the computers in the Children’s Department only. The library does not actively supervise children on the computer.

 Ask Us!

  • We offer book suggestions, reference help, special programs, presentations, and storytimes at all three of our locations.
  • Stay up to date with what’s happening at the Alameda Free Library with our activities calendar.  

  • We want to hear from you, too.  Recommend a book you think the library should own. We can't promise we'll purchase every book recommended, but we can promise to take a look.

Visit Us!

All three Alameda Free Library locations have storytimes, crafts, LEGOs®, homework coaching, and other regular programs designed with kids in mind. Our goal is to encourage a love of reading and learning. Please help your child have a safe and enjoyable visit by keeping the following points in mind:

  • Children 10 years old and younger must be fully supervised by a responsible adult. Our libraries are open to everyone and may not always be safe for a child who has been left alone. Library staff cannot supervise children, nor can they act in loco parentis. If we are unable to contact you, incidents may have to be referred to the Alameda Police Department.
  • Please make sure your child has your name, phone number, and the number of another trusted adult who can provide a ride home if necessary. Staff cannot wait with your child after the library closes.

Visit us Online!

  • You can access our online catalog, place holds and pay fines, update your account, and create personal book lists from home.
  • We have databases available that are meant for kids! These online services are only available through our website and are accessed by entering your library card number.
  • We have a selection of links to websites that are both fun and educational. Organized by age/interest level, you’re sure to find something that your kids will enjoy.

For Teachers

The School Resource Services listed below are available to teachers employed by TK-8 schools in the City of Alameda. Preschool teachers and teachers at schools located outside the City of Alameda are invited to call the Children’s Department or the library located in your school’s neighborhood for more information on how libraries can help you and your students.

Classroom Visits and Library Tours

  • Virtual and In-Person Classroom Visits: TK-8th grade classroom teachers at schools in the City of Alameda may schedule grade-level specific classroom visits. We’ll visit your school in person if allowed OR on Zoom to read and promote library services and digital resources. Visit https://calendly.com/alameda-free-library-class-visits-and-tours to view what types of visits we offer and schedule. In-person visits only: scroll down on the scheduling page to find your school. If your school is not listed, only virtual visits may be booked at this time.

  • Library Tours: Your visit to the library will include a read-aloud story, a brief tour of the Children's Department and the opportunity for students to receive new or replacement library cards. Please distribute library card applications(PDF, 337KB) to families in advance and return completed applications to Andie Cultrera at least one week before your tour. Library cards will NOT be processed during the visit. Click here to book a tour at the Main Library. If you would prefer a tour at the West End or Bay Farm Island Library, please contact Andie Cultrera directly.

Library-To-Go Boxes

Is your class working on a project or doing research on a specific subject? Let us prepare a Library-To-Go box of materials for you! You must have a Teacher Library Card on file in order to check out a box. Apply for one here: Teacher Library Card application. 

  • A list of premade Library-To-Go boxes by subject and grade level can be found here.
  • Library-To-Go boxes contain supplemental, curriculum-related books, DVDs, and/or a set of literature-circle books to augment a specific classroom unit or provide more independent reading choices for your students. Your classroom may keep these books for up to 4 weeks. 
  • Library-to-Go boxes may be customized to relate to a specific topic (e.g., Civil War, endangered animals, planets...). Teachers may request specific books or simply indicate a topic and ask the library to find appropriate books (or a combination of both). While we can’t guarantee we’ll have every requested book available for inclusion, we’ll do the best we can to find enough similar materials to satisfy the request.

Click here to reserve your box today!

Library-To-Go FAQs:

  • Library-To-Go boxes may contain up to 30 library items and can be checked out for one 4-week period.  Boxes may not be renewed.
  • Library-To-Go boxes may only be checked out using a Teacher Card. Apply for one here. 
  • The Library-To-Go service is available to educators in Alameda schools serving K-8th grades.
  • Library-To-Go boxes are designed to supplement existing classroom resources during the study of larger units or projects.
  • Teacher Cards are to be used for classroom materials only. Educators must use personal library cards for materials checked out for personal use.Teacher Cards are kept on file at the Children's Department at the Main Library. Contact  Andie Cultrera for assistance. 

 

Helpful Links for Educators

Databases and websites designed for use by educators.

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